the grammy's

my thoughts from the last half of the biggest night of music...
I missed the first half due to things I had to get done, but caught the last 2 hours (which I guess is a little more than half, but who's counting?)

Did it seem to anyone else that none of the bands/groups/ensembles ended their songs well. Most just sort of stopped and there was a pause before the crowd began to applaud...

U2's album "How to Dismantle A Bomb" is titled after Bono's dad, who Bono said it was like an atomic bomb going off when he died 2 years ago. But tonight, he announced that he is going to stop ranting and raving about his dad as he has (I'm guessing in less than positive light). He also talked (emotionally) about the Grammy going to his head. I compare this with his Remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast.
Interesting to see all the different aspects of a person and how they present themselves in different arenas. I think this is part of what makes him and U2 so popular, they put it all out there for people to see. Can I do that, even with things that may be less than great? Can I be honest/authentic?...

MusiCares... I'm not sure what to think of it. Raising money to help save music and musicians recover their livelihood. That sounds good, it is good. But (should there be a "but"?), would it be better just to give money to all the relief effort- so that everyone can get back on their feet?
Is it okay to give to one specific area of people and not others? I guess I do something like that when I donate money to my Compassion Child, but don't send money to help out the Mentally Challenged ministry...

I did see the opening act (Madonna & The Gorillas) on yahoo and really was not impressed for it being an opening act. The song was great, the animation neat, the dancing better, but it didn't grab me and make me wish I had seen the first half of the Grammy's. Oh well... such is life...

Two closing observations: 1- Tom Hanks messed up some people's names. Did he make a mistake or did he not have time to learn his lines? (Honest question... I don't know how far in advance the announcers have their lines & names). There also seemed to be a lack of respect for the people who were getting "lifetime acheivement" type awards. The presenters would rush through that award, say something about themselves or a joke and then really focus on the award being handed out (hardly any clapping for "la" awards). Maybe this is just because of time pressure- or is it more than that? And the people in the first 5 rows (basically all I ever saw of the crowd) look bored the whole time.

Regardless, it was an interesting evening with all the groups being mixed together. I was just left with the impression that the atmosphere lacked warmth and anything genuine other than a "look at me" attitude.

But, who am I to take away these artists moment to shine and celebrate their hard work. Congrats to all who won a grammy!